Councilman, 4 others fall in drug buy-busts

CEBU, Philippines - Five people, including a barangay councilman, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations conducted by the police.

Councilman Ariel Avenido, 41, of Barangay Malabago, Badian was arrested Friday afternoon during a buy-bust operation. Operatives of the Badian Police Station received information about the illegal activities of the councilman, prompting them to hatch the operation.

An undercover operative transacted with the suspect resulting in his arrest. The police seized six packs of shabu and the P200 buy-bust money in Avenido's possession.

In another buy-bust operation, three suspected drug pushers were arrested in Lapu-Lapu City resulting in the seizure of an estimated P139,240 worth of shabu.

The suspects were identified as Wilmar Pontanosa, 37, resident of Barangay Bangkal; Rogelio Deguilmo, 35; and Nilo Sumalpong, 28, both residents of Barangay Looc.

Pontanosa was arrested by the elements of Pusok Police Station Thursday evening. The police seized from his possession seven small packs and two medium sachets of shabu. The police also recovered the P300 buy-bust money.

Deguilmo and Sumalpong were arrested inside a hotel in Barangay Pajo few hours later by a team of the City Intelligence Branch. Senior Inspector Joey Bicoy, deputy chief, said Deguilmo is one of their high value targets. He is reportedly the number 12 in the CIB list of drug personalities. Sumalpong allegedly serves as Deguilmo's cohort in the illegal drug business.

Suspected drug pusher Manuelito Ano-os, 39, was also arrested Friday afternoon in Sitio Suba, Barangay Poblacion, Liloan. The police seized 12 packs of shabu and the P200 buy-bust money from his possession.

Criminal complaints are now being prepared for filing against all the arrested drug suspects. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud and Mylen P. Manto (FREEMAN)